As SUVs continue to dominate the market, it’s usually the smaller five-seaters that receive the most attention. Not long ago, it was the full-size, seven-seaters that did all the heavy lifting. Larger SUVs were the only ones capable enough to get the big jobs done. Before the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5, there weren’t a ton of actually “sporty” Sport Utility Vehicles. That changed after the introduction of those two-row SUVs and now the options are seemingly endless as they lit the segment on fire. It seems though, there is still a place for the larger SUVs. As our needs become more demanding, and toys become bigger, only a full size, three-row SUV can comfortably offer the high occupancy/high cargo solutions we are looking for.
In 2023 though, the large players still remain. There simply is no replacement for displacement, in this case passenger volume. As engines go, some of the largest six+ passenger SUVs ironically don’t utilize large displacement engines to haul big families. To sort out which ones you should be considering, we’ve compiled a list of SUVs that all serve a special niche. Here are some of the best three-row SUVs money can buy today, and you should be considering for people-moving duty.
10 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
When you want a muscle car, but need more seats, Dodge is here to help. They understood the assignment and brought American muscle to the family SUV. 710 horsepower should be enough to lug around your cargo or scare the kids. The Hellcat Durango can even tow up to 8,700 pounds.
With Brembo brakes and a Bilstein active suspension, you might be hard-pressed to find a better-performance SUV. Durango SRT Hellcat seats six and starts at $91,740. The Hellcat Premium model starts at $103,035 and includes a Harmon-Kardon stereo system, Upgraded Leather seats, colored seat belts, upper dashboard leather and some carbon fiber trim.
9 Ford Expedition
One of the largest physical SUVs you can buy today is the Ford Expedition Max. Gone are the days of V-8 powered full size SUVs as the Expedition is V-6 EcoBoost only. This behemoth has new trims for 2023 including a “Timberline” model that includes off-road bits adopted from the F-150 and Raptor products such as undercarriage skid plates, and a high output tune of the EcoBoost engine. Power is up from 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque to a punchy 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque.
The Expedition can seat up to eight passengers, includes a massive 15.5-inch center infotainment display, as well as premium interior materials across various trim levels. Pricing starts at $55,125 for the base XL STX model and $71,400 for the new Timberline model. If you want the most luxurious Expedition Platinum Max model, it will set you back at least $83,565.
8 Land Rover Defender 130
Off-roading for all! Now you can take not only your family for an off-road exploration, but you can bring along a couple friends too, in the new Defender 130. Being a three-row eight-seater vehicle now, the Land Rover Defender has plenty of interior room for more people to join in on the adventure. You will be impressed by the Defender’s capabilities to climb, wade, and crawl over many types of terrain.
Defender 130 starts at $68,000 for the 296 horsepower Defender S model and climbs to $99,000 for the 395 horsepower MHEV Defender X model. The X includes exclusive interior leathers and materials, headed and cooled 14-way seats, unique wheels, and special two-tone paint scheme. Currently, there is no V-8 Defender 130 model.
7 Mitsubishi Outlander
One of the more shocking, but surprisingly satisfying comebacks could be the Mitsubishi Outlander. This larger Outlander has a new interior featuring glitzy materials such as bright stamped aluminum and a modern design. The Exterior design is futuristic, but not as offensive as (dare we say it) some BMW X models.
This new Mitsubishi isn’t just a pretty new face either. The Outlander features a Land Rover-like rotary off-road drive mode controller. The off-road modes help drivers traverse many different types of terrain by altering the vehicles responses to driver inputs. Incredibly, the Mitsubishi Outlander starts at $27,895!
6 Mazda CX-90
As a newcomer to the three-row crowd, the Mazda CX-90 takes over where the CX9 left off. Mazda has been taking a page out of the Kia/Hyundai book and simply replacing older cars with new models altogether. It’s okay to leave the past behind sometimes because the new CX-90’s exterior (and interior design) is stunning. Many will inevitably appreciate Mazda’s more timeless interior that takes the minimal KODO approach providing enough tech, but nothing gimmicky or fussy to interact with.
There are some extraordinarily bold color choices inside and out bringing a welcomed depth to the vehicle, CX-90 might be the beauty pageant winner of the bunch. Starting at just under $40,000 this high occupancy Mazda debuts the brand's all-new 3.3 liter turbocharged inline-six engine. A standard tune provides 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet, while the high-output version puts down 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet, of torque.
5 BMW X7
A 7-Series is a big deal. When BMW was bold enough to badge an SUV with the legendary “7”, many had their doubts. But make no mistake, the X7 can absolutely do all the 7-Series things you’d expect, whilst making a family trip up to the ski slopes. The X7 provides an excellent blend of comfort, luxury, and utility. Inside you’ll find a supple leather-wrapped interior, ultra-premium materials, the newest curved iDrive 8 infotainment system, massive panoramic roof BMW calls, “Sky Lounge” with integrated LED lighting, and plenty of room for six or seven (depending on configuration). X7 starts at $81,900 for the xDrive40i model, and climbs to $108,700 for the M60i, V-8 powered model.
There is also another special model, the XB7 from famous BMW tuning company Alpina. This model adds yet another step up in materials and luxurious features along with styling changes inside and out, including a square set of gorgeous 21 inch multi-spoke, bright finish wheels. Power is also up from the M60i’s 523 to 631 horsepower in the XB7 sourced from a similar 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8. The Alpina XB7 starts at $149,400.
4 Cadillac Escalade
The Cadillac Escalade has come a long way from the rebadged Tahoe it used to be. Escalade is truly one of the most luxurious, and powerful full size vehicles available on the road. Opt for the Escalade V, and you’ll be piloting a 682 horsepower, 6,200-pound monster, unless you’re using GM’s very smart, “Super Cruise” assisted driving system, then it will do most of the work for you. Escalade seats seven and starts at $84,190 for a two-wheel-drive Luxury model and tops out at $154,090 in the eight-passenger four-wheel-drive, tech-filled Escalade-V ESV. In many ways this is a flagship model for the Cadillac brand and its priced accordingly.
3 Hyundai Palisade
Although it’s a relative to the Kia Telluride, both that car, and the Hyundai Palisade remain wildly popular among growing families and those needing the extra people moving space.
The Palisade is a fitting option for those wanting a very utilitarian-focused vehicle, but want something of an upgrade in materials/touch points. Available with all-wheel-drive the Palisade offers 291 horsepower, 27 miles per gallon, starting at $35,900.
2 Lexus LX600
The 2023 Lexus LX600 builds on the new V-6 powered era with subtle style tweaks inside and out. Passengers will enjoy available first and second row captains chairs bringing a sense of occasion to second row seating not often found in full size SUVs. Purists will question a V-6 powered Lexus LX, but the numbers prove it to be superior to the outgoing V-8 as 409 horsepower is available with a 10-speed auto, along with full-time four-wheel drive.
The legendary capability of the LX remains with six available terrain modes that help with aspects such as hight control, terrain programming, crawl control, and turn assist which all help the large LX weasel through tight or challenging off-road obstacles. The Lexus LX600 starts at $90,660 and can reach as high as $130,750 for the LX600 Ultra Luxury model.
1 Kia Telluride
Kia continues to disrupt all segments including the third-row seat crowd. The Kia Telluride, although an entry level vehicle in the large SUV market, doesn’t actually appear to be all that entry-level. Its design is stylish and has clever integration of trim and lighting elements. Its interior makes good use of the available space and never feels small, but never ungainly as well.
Its materials are on point with its place in the market and as a utility vehicle, Telluride actually impresses with its interior materials. Telluride offers all-wheel-drive, can seat up to eight passengers, tow 5,000 pounds, and starts at a reasonable $35,890.